Frightened Tongans flee tsunami after spectacular underwater volcanic eruption

Mere Taufa said she was in her house preparing for dinner when the volcano erupted.

“It was huge, the ground was shaking, our house was shaking. It was coming in waves. My younger brother thought bombs were exploding nearby,” she told Stuff News.

She said water filled their home a few minutes later and she saw the wall of the house next door collapse.

“We knew immediately that it was a tsunami. Only water flowed into our home. There were screams everywhere, people shouting for safety to get everyone to higher ground.”

The initial eruption lasted at least eight minutes and sent clouds of gas, ash and smoke into the air for several kilometers.

Fijian officials have warned residents to cover their water tanks in the event of acid rain.

Victorina Kioa of the Tonga Public Services Commission said people should “stay away from warning areas, which are low-lying coastal areas, reefs and beaches”.

Tonga Geological Survey Chief Taaniela Kula urged people to stay indoors, wear a mask if they are outside, and cover rainwater tanks and rainwater collection systems.